zero tolerance

American  

noun

1. a policy of very strict, uncompromising enforcement of rules or laws.

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zero tolerance British  

noun

1. 1. the policy of applying laws or penalties to even minor infringements of a code in order to reinforce its overall importance

   2. ( as modifier )

      a zero-tolerance policy on drugs

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Etymology

Origin of zero tolerance

First recorded in 1935–40

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

zero tolerance

She vowed a crackdown on lawlessness and zero tolerance for looters and rioters.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 25, 2026

Contacted by AFP, Vinted said it applied a policy of "zero tolerance" in such cases and was cooperating "actively with law enforcement and the French authorities".

From Barron's ● Oct. 19, 2026

A spokesperson for Delta told The Times in an emailed statement, “Delta has zero tolerance for unruly or unlawful behavior, as the safety of our customers and crew always comes first.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 12, 2026

“Binance has zero tolerance for sanctions violations or illicit activity, and Binance did not permit any transactions with sanctioned individuals,” the Binance spokesperson said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 15, 2026

At least if you adopt a zero tolerance approach, when you next see a banner advertising “CD’s, DVD’s, Video’s, and Book’s”, you won’t just stay indoors getting depressed about it.

From "Eats, Shoots & Leaves" by Author

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